Friday, November 24, 2023

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Philippians 4:6

As we close this week of Thanksgiving, we must be mindful of the fact that there are some of us who find great difficulty in being grateful. Au and Au say that for many of us, it is a genetic predisposition. Some scientists say that 50% of our positivity is influenced by genetics, while 40% is influenced by our intentional activities and the remaining 10% is due to circumstances. Despite where you are on the spectrum, you must remember that gratitude can be cultivated.

Here are some gratitude exercises offered by Au and Au in their book, The Grateful Heart: Living the Christian Message:

• Breathing with Gratitude

Slow down during the day to pay attention to your breathing. Let this attention to breathing remind you of the blessing of life. Think about God and give him praise. For in God, you live and breathe and have your being.

• Reliving a Blessed Moment of the Day

Before going to bed, think about what happened during your day. What brought you joy, pleasure, comfort? Focus on one experience. Recall and think about the moment. Thank God for the moment before you go to sleep.

• Recalling Our Blessings Regularly

List your blessings and use them when you pray.